Bible Pathways - Mar. 16, 2009
March 16
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Just as all of us tend to be rather gullible when we don't seek the Lord's guidance, the Israelites are deceived by a heathen nation (9:3-5). Years later their past comes back to haunt them (II Sam. 21:1-9). Joshua battles five kings and their armies. He prays for a miracle and receives it (Josh. 10:12-13).
The primary key to all victories of Joshua against the Canaanites is recorded in tomorrow's reading: As the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses (11:15). Joshua's swift and victorious battles against Jericho and Ai caused all the kings . . . in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon . . . (to gather) themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord (9:1-2). And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand (10:8).
The secondary key to Joshua's victories is that he and his army didn't relax in their tents expecting the Lord to win their battles, but exercised their faith in the Word of God. Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal ALL NIGHT (10:9). After a twenty-mile march to Gibeon (10:5-7), Joshua led a surprise attack against the kings of the south at daybreak.
It is clear that the Lord discomfited them (the Canaanites) before Israel (Josh. 10:10) and the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died; they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword (10:11).
Joshua, once again, led Israel to victory because God intervened and destroyed a great number of enemies with hailstones. The effort of all the kings in Canaan to oppose and defeat Joshua is an example of the continual conflict between the people of God and the people of the world influenced by Satan.
Such victories in spiritual warfare are won as we, like Joshua, accept by faith, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him . . . the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (in and through us) (Eph. 1:17-19).
Thought for Today:
When we obey the Word of God, He will give us strength for the battle and grant us victory over the evil that wants to control our lives.
Christ Revealed:
As the One through whom we have victory (Josh. 10:25). Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Word Studies:
9:1 great sea =Mediterranean Sea; 9:4 wilily =craftily; wine bottles =wineskins; rent =torn; 9:5 clouted =watched; 9:6 league =treaty; 9:9 Name =awesome reputation; 9:15 sware =ratified it with an oath in the Name of God; 9:21 hewers of wood =woodcutters; 9:22 beguiled =deceived; 10:4 smite =conquer; 10:6 Slack not thy hand from =do not abandon; 10:10 discomfited =defeated in battle; 10:13 book of Ja'sher =book of heroes; hasted not =delayed; 10:18 keep =guard; 10:20 fenced =fortified, walled; 10:21 moved his tongue =uttered a word; 10:24 your feet upon the necks = symbol of mastery; 10:26 smote =struck; 10:28 souls =people; 10:40 vale =valley.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. William H. Somers • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Rep. Joseph Crowley (NY) and Rep. Ron Kind (WI) • Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Danish and Faroese • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: John 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:16
